Beginning this afternoon and continuing through August 13, you are cordially invited to five major free library events:

• If you are interested in buying used library equipment for sale at reasonable prices, visit us today from 4-7 p.m. In the Program Room, you will find computers, monitors, keyboards, printers and more. Everything has been inspected and is in good working condition. Package deals (computer, monitor and keyboard) will be available. Nothing costs more than $250. We’re taking cash only, and purchases must be taken away at time of sale. All sales are final. Doors open at 4 p.m. sharp — no advance shopping, please!

• The launch of our expanded Public Computer Center in the Program Room takes place next Thursday, Aug. 11, from 10-11:30 a.m. We will offer a tour of the room, light refreshments, and a demonstration of the new equipment. This new facility will allow us to provide free access to the Internet, along with free training for many levels of users. For example, those seeking new computer skills, looking for a job, or researching health information can learn here. Over the next several months, many training sessions will be offered in the center.

• Also next Thursday, Aug. 11, a slide show presentation on outstanding international books for children and teens will be given by part-time Pagosa resident Judith Lechner from 6-7 p.m. Judy, who is a professor emerita from the College of Education at Auburn University in Alabama, served on the U.S. Board on Books for Young People committee that selected this year’s picks. This program is open to all ages.

• On Friday, Aug. 12, at 1 p.m., join us for a free afternoon movie and enjoy some popcorn. This month’s matinee is an adventure: “First Knight,” starring Sean Connery, Richard Gere and Julia Ormond.

• The annual Friends of the Library book sale takes place next weekend. Friday, Aug. 12, is the annual meeting and pre-book sale for Friends members at the Community Center at 6 p.m. The book sale opens to the public on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. To become a member of the Friends, or to renew your membership, come to the book sale either day — or do so any time at the library.

Christian fiction

We have two new books by Cindy Woodsmall in the series featuring the Amish — “The Bridge of Peace” and “The Hope of Refuge.”

Fantasy and adventure

“Thunder of Heaven” by Tim LaHaye and Craig Parshall featuring Joshua Jordan is the sequel to “Edge of Apocalypse.” “Overbite” by Meg Cabot features Meena Harper and her vampire friends. “Naked City” is a collection of original fantasy stories by 20 authors edited by Ellen Datlow.

Other new novels

“The Kid” by Sapphire follows the life of Abdul Jones from age nine on the day of his mother’s funeral from a troubled Catholic orphanage to downtown artists’ lofts. “Never Knowing” by Chevy Stevens is a psychological thriller about one woman’s search for her birth parents. “Very Bad Men” by Harry Dolan follows an editor of a mystery magazine as he and his wife are drawn into the world of a killer.“Lion of Babylon” by Davis Bunn is a political mystery set in Bagdad.

Nonfiction

“Reasonable Doubt” by Peter Manso explores the murder of a fashion writer on Cape Cod and the homicide trial that was filled with racism and political corruption.

Books on CD

“Buried Secrets” by Joseph Finder is a kidnapping story featuring Special Forces’ Nick Heller. “Dragon’s Time” by mother and son team Anne and Todd McCaffrey is the latest in the science fiction Dragonriders of Pern series. “Happy Birthday” by Danielle Steel follows three different people facing a critical turning point in life on the same day. “Split Second” by Catherine Coulter is the latest in the thriller series facing FBI agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock. “Smokin’ Seventeen” by Janet Evanovich is the latest in the Stephanie Plum mystery series. “Now You See Her” by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge looks at a successful woman with major secrets who is forced to confront a killer she’d hoped she’d escaped forever.

Thanks to our donors

For books donated to the library this week we thank Kathee Ferris.

Quotable quote

“Everyone thinks of changing the world but no one thinks of changing himself.” — Russian writer Leo Tolstoy (1928-1910).

Website

For more information on library books, services and programs, and to reserve books from the comfort of your home, visit our website at http://pagosa.colibraries.org/.